Intelligent lighting control system scalable wall-plate apparatuses, systems, and methods

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides an intelligent lighting control system including a scalable wall-plate system. The wall-plate system is used for installation of a plurality of base modules in a multi-gang electrical box. The base modules in a base housing forms a well and includes a first electrical connector positioned in the well. A first light control module of a plurality of light control modules is nested in a first base module. A wall-plate cover is connected to the plurality of base modules such that the nested first light control module is positioned in a recess formed in a back surface of the wall-plate cover such that an aperture in the wall-plate cover is positioned over a well in a second base module of the plurality of base modules. A second light control module is nested through the aperture and into the well of the second base module.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 62/359,697, filed on Jul. 7, 2016, entitled “INTELLIGENTLIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM SCALABLE WALL-PLATE APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS, ANDMETHODS,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/360,253, filed onJul. 8, 2016, entitled “INTELLIGENT LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM SCALABLEWALL-PLATE APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS,” which applications areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to the field of lightingcontrol systems.

BACKGROUND

Customizing and automating home lighting control devices is oftenepitomized by the installation of unsightly lighting switches that areinundated with light switches confusingly mapped to respective fixtures.Automated home lighting control systems can also include large, complex,expensive central hubs that require expert or skilled technicians forinstallation and/or operation. Smart light bulbs and/or Wi-Fi enabledlightbulbs introduced into any of these contexts or even in simpler onescan disadvantageously be limited by the light switch that it isassociated with and/or the lighting fixture itself. For example, if alight switch associated with a smart light bulb is switched off thesmart light bulb becomes inoperable.

SUMMARY

The inventors have appreciated that various embodiments disclosed hereinprovide apparatuses, systems, and methods for concealing intelligentlighting control system components.

Various embodiments provide methods of operating a lighting controlsystem. The methods include installing a plurality of bases modules in amulti-gang electrical box. The base modules include a base housingforming a well and including a first electrical connector positioned inthe well. The first electrical connector is connected to a power circuitthat is configured to receive current from an A.C. power supply and isconfigured for electrical coupling with a lighting circuit of a lightfixture. The method includes nesting a first light control module of aplurality of light control modules in a first base module of theplurality of base modules. The light control modules include a modulehousing and a second electrical connector configured for engagement withand electrical coupling to the first electrical connector of a basemodule when nested. A switch control circuit is positioned in thehousing and includes a processor or controller configured to modulatethe flow of electrical energy to the lighting circuit via a dimmercircuit to produce a plurality of lighting scenes by varying thequantity of illumination of the light bulb. The switch control circuitis electrically connected to the second electrical connector. The methodincludes connecting a wall-plate cover to the plurality of base modulessuch that the nested first light control module positioned in a recessformed in a back surface of the wall-plate cover and such that anaperture in the wall-plate cover is positioned over a well in a secondbase module of the plurality of base modules. The method includesnesting a second light control module in the second base module byinserting a housing of the second light control module through theaperture and into the well of the second base module.

In some implementations, the lighting control module includes anantenna.

In some implementations, the lighting control module includes a camera.

In some implementations, the lighting control module includes a lightsensor.

In some implementations, the lighting control module includes amicrophone.

In some implementations, the lighting control module includes athermometer

In some implementations, the lighting control module includes a humiditysensor

In some implementations, the lighting control module includes an airquality sensor

In some implementations, the method includes communicably coupling thefirst light control module and the second control module (e.g.electronic pairing)

In some implementations, the first light control module is wirelesslyconnected to the second light control module.

In some implementations, the lighting control module includesconfiguring the second light control module as a master switch and thefirst light control module as the slave switch, wherein the slave switchis configured to transmit a lighting change request received by theslave switch to the master switch.

In some implementations, the lighting control module includes engaging alatch on the second light control module with a recess in the aperturewhere the second light control module is inserted through the aperturein the wall-plate cover.

Various embodiments, provide a wall-plate system according to any one ofthe preceding claims. The wall-plate can include one or more magnetsdisposed therein. In certain embodiments, a magnet or magneticallyattracted fastener can be positioned in the wall-plate cover on a backside of the wall-plate cover. The wall-plate cover can also include ahinge for pivotally coupling with a base module. The wall-plate can beconfigured to unnest an exposed switch controller upon pivoting whileleaving one or more concealed switch controllers nested in thecontroller(s) respective base module.

It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing conceptsand additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided suchconcepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being partof the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, allcombinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of thisdisclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subjectmatter disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that terminologyexplicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosureincorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most consistentwith the particular concepts disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings primarily are for illustrative purposes and are notintended to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter describedherein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; in some instances,various aspects of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein may beshown exaggerated or enlarged in the drawings to facilitate anunderstanding of different features. In the drawings, like referencecharacters generally refer to like features (e.g., functionally similarand/or structurally similar elements).

FIG. 1A is a perspective partially exploded view of a lighting controldevice.

FIG. 1B is a fully exploded view of the lighting control device of FIG.1A

FIG. 2A shows the lighting control device of FIG. 1A mounted on a wall.

FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate multi-switch lighting control devices.

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate a lighting control device transitioning throughvarious lighting settings and a room having lighting fixtures controlledby the lighting control device.

FIG. 4 provides a flow diagram of operations of a system for controllinga lighting control device.

FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of a system for remotely operating alighting control device.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of a system for remotely configuringoperations of a lighting control device.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method of installing lighting controlsystems with an inventive wall-plate system.

FIG. 8 is a schematic of a lighting control system.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematics of a lighting control system including awall-plate for concealing one or more switch controller(s).

FIGS. 10A-10C show operation of the wall-plate system.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show operation of the wall-plate system and removal ofthe hidden switch controller.

FIGS. 12A-12C show a switch including all exposed switch controllers.

FIGS. 13A-13C show a switch including an exposed switch controller andconcealed switch controllers.

The features and advantages of the inventive subject matter disclosedherein will become more apparent from the detailed description set forthbelow when taken in conjunction with the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Following below are more detailed descriptions of various conceptsrelated to, and exemplary embodiments of, inventive systems, methods andcomponents of lighting control devices.

FIG. 1A is a perspective partially exploded view of a lighting controldevice 100. The lighting control device 100 includes a switch module 102including a light switch actuator 106 and a tactile display 104 housedin the light switch actuator 106. The lighting control device 100 alsoincludes a wall-plate cover 108 including a switch module opening 110extending therethrough. The lighting control device 100 also includes abase module 112 configured for coupling to the switch module 102 viamulti-pin socket 114. The base module 112 is sized and configured forreceipt within a one-gang wall electrical box and has a volumecorresponding substantially thereto. The base module 112 is configuredto be coupled to a wall electrical box via connection tabs 116 andfastener apertures 118 in the connection tabs 116.

The light switch actuator 106 includes an outer actuation surface 122,which as discussed further herein may be composed of glass. Theactuation surface 122 is movable, for example, by pushing on the curvedfoot 120 to cause the light switch actuator 106 to pivot, for example.The pivoting of the light switch actuator 106 and the actuation surface122 causes a contact component (shown in FIG. 2) of the switch actuator106 to move from a first position to a second position. Movement of thecontact component causes a connection of an electrical flow path, forexample by allowing two electrical contacts to connect or by connectingthe contact component with an electrical contact. The connecting of theelectrical flow path, permits electrical energy supplied by a powersource connected to the base module 112 to energize or activate thetactile display 104, as discussed in further detail herein. The tactiledisplay 104 is structured in the switch module to move contemporaneouslywith at least a portion of the actuation surface 122 and with theactuator 106. When activated or energized, the tactile display 104allows a user to define or select predefined lighting settings where thelighting settings change the voltage or power supplied to one or morelight fixtures. The change in power supplied to the light fixtures mayinclude a plurality of different voltages supplied to each fixture andmay be based on various parameters including, but not limited to,location, light intensity, light color, type of bulb, type of light,ambient light levels, time of day, kind of activity, room temperature,noise level, energy costs, user proximity, user identity, or variousother parameters which may be specified or detected. Furthermore, thelighting control device 100 may be connected to all of the lights in aroom or even in a house and can be configured to operate cooperativelywith one or more other lighting control devices 100 located in a unit orroom and connected to the same or distinct lighting fixtures.

FIG. 1B is a fully exploded view of the lighting control device 100 ofFIG. 1A. As demonstrated in FIG. 1B, the tactile display 104 ispositioned between the outer actuation surface 122 and the light switchactuator 106. The actuation surface 122 may be composed of animpact-resistant glass material permitting light from the tactiledisplay 104 and/or a clear sight of path for sensors 127 or otherlights, such as a light from light pipe 126 indicating activation topass through the actuation surface 122. The tactile display 104 iscomposed of a polymer-based capacitive touch layer 124 and a lightemitting diode panel 125, which are controlled via one or more modules,processors, or controllers positioned on the printed circuit board 129.The tactile display 104 is housed within a recess 131 of the lightswitch actuator 106 beneath the actuation surface 122. The light switchactuator 106 may be formed as a thermoplastic housing including ahousing cover 133 and a housing base 135. The light switch actuatorhousing cover 133 is pivotally connected to the housing base 135 viapins 136 and the housing cover 133 is biased with respect the housingbase 135 via torsion spring 137. In particular embodiments, the lightswitch actuator housing cover 133 may be configured to slide orotherwise translate or rotate. The outer actuation surface 122 is biasedwith the switch actuator housing cover 133 and moves contemporaneouslytherewith in concert with the tactile display 104 housed in the covercomponent 133 of the light switch actuator 106. The light switchactuator 106 includes a switch pin 128 movable between positions toclose an open circuit on the primary printed circuit board substrate150, which board also houses a switch controller or processor. Incertain embodiments the light switch actuator 106 may include a circuitboard stack, including the primary printed circuit board substrate 150and a secondary printed circuit board 138 The light switch actuator 106may include a latch 136 for coupling to the base module 112 (e.g. as thelight switch actuator 106 is passed through the opening 110 in thewall-plate cover 108), which latch causes the light switch actuator 106to click into place. The housing base 135 includes a multi-pin connectoror plug 134 configured to engage the multi-pin socket 114 of the basemodule 112.

The lighting control device 100 includes a mounting chassis 142configured to be installed to an electrical wall box. The mountingchassis 142 creates an even surface for installation of the othermodules (e.g., the base module 112 and the switch module 102). Once thebase module is connected to the electrical wall box via the mountingchassis 142, the wall plate cover 108 can be coupled to the mountingchassis 142 and the light switch actuator 106 can be inserted throughthe switch module opening 110. In particular embodiments, the wall platecover can be coupled to the mounting chassis 142 and/or the tabs 116 ofthe base module via magnets. The magnets may be recessed within openingsof a portion of the wall plate cover 108. As noted, the base module 112is configured to be coupled to the mounting chassis 142 via connectiontabs 116. The base module 112 is further configured to be electricallycoupled to a power source (e.g., an electrical wire coming from anelectrical breaker box to the electrical wall box) and to one or morelight fixtures wired to the electrical box. Accordingly, the base module112 provides an interface between a power source, the light switchactuator 106, and one or more light fixtures. The base module includes aprocessor 140 and a circuit board 141 for managing the power supplied bythe power source and routed to the one or more light fixtures inaccordance with a light setting selection identified via the lightswitch actuator 106 or the tactile display 104.

One or more of the processor on the printed circuit board 15038 a or 138b 130 and the base module processor 140 may include wireless links forcommunication with one or more remote electronic device such as a mobilephone, a tablet, a laptop, another mobile computing devices, one or moreother lighting control devices 100 or other electronic devices operatingin a location. In certain implementations the wireless links permitcommunication with one or more devices including, but not limited tosmart light bulbs, thermostats, garage door openers, door locks, remotecontrols, televisions, security systems, security cameras, smokedetectors, video game consoles, robotic systems, or other communicationenabled sensing and/or actuation devices or appliances. The wirelesslinks may include BLUETOOTH classes, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth-low-energy, alsoknown as BLE (BLE and BT classic are completely different protocols thatjust share the branding), 802.15.4, Worldwide Interoperability forMicrowave Access (WiMAX), an infrared channel or satellite band. Thewireless links may also include any cellular network standards used tocommunicate among mobile devices, including, but not limited to,standards that qualify as 1G, 2G, 3G, or 4G. The network standards mayqualify as one or more generation of mobile telecommunication standardsby fulfilling a specification or standards such as the specificationsmaintained by International Telecommunication Union. The 3G standards,for example, may correspond to the International MobileTelecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) specification, and the 4G standardsmay correspond to the International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced(IMT-Advanced) specification. Examples of cellular network standardsinclude AMPS, GSM, GPRS, UMTS, LTE, LTE Advanced, Mobile WiMAX, andWiMAX-Advanced. Cellular network standards may use various channelaccess methods e.g. FDMA, TDMA, CDMA, or SDMA. In some embodiments,different types of data may be transmitted via different links andstandards. In other embodiments, the same types of data may betransmitted via different links and standards.

FIG. 2A shows the lighting control device 100 of FIG. 1A mounted on awall 200. As demonstrated in FIG. 2A, the base module 112 is not visibleupon installation of the lighting control device 100 in view of thewall-plate cover 108. Because the wall-plate cover 108 attaches to thebase module 112, the wall-plate cover 108 appears to be floating on thewall 200. The lighting control device 100 may be activated by a user 103interacting with the outer actuation surface 122 and the tactile display104.

FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate multi-switch configurations of multiplelighting control device. FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate a two switch andthree switch embodiment respectively where the lighting control devices202 and 203 each include a light switch actuator 106 as well asauxiliary switches 204 and 208, as well as 2 and 3 base modules 112,respectively.

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate a lighting control device transitioning throughvarious lighting settings and a room having lighting fixtures controlledby the lighting control device.

In FIG. 3A, the lighting control device 300 is connected to a basemodule positioned behind the wall-plate 308. The lighting control device300 includes a dynamic light switch actuator 306, operable in a mannersimilar to the light switch actuator discussed in connection with FIGS.1A-2C, and an auxiliary light switch actuator. As demonstrated in FIG.3A by the unilluminated outer actuation surface 322 of the light switchactuator 306 is inactive and not energized. In response to a user 103moving the actuation surface 322 of the light switch actuator 306, thelight switch actuator 306 begins to become energized, as shown in FIG.3B. The energization or activation of the light switch actuator 306 issignaled by the power light indicator 305 and by full lighting settingicon 351. As shown in FIG. 3C where the icon 351 is fully lit (ratherthan partially lit as in FIG. 3B), the light switch actuator 306 isfully energized. In this particular configuration, the primary lights309 and 310 are illuminated at full power. FIG. 3D shows the transitionbetween lighting settings. As demonstrated in FIG. 3D, this transitionis facilitated via user 103 completing swiping gesture 312 across thetactile display 304 and along the actuation surface 322. As the usercompletes the gesture 312, the icon 351 is swiped from the tactiledisplay 304 as the tactile display toggles to a new light setting shownin FIG. 3E. The new light setting shown in FIG. 3E is represented oridentified by the dinner icon 352. The new light setting shown in FIG. 3has the light fixture 309 powered down and has caused lamp 316 andsconces 318 to become illuminated to change the lighting scene in theroom. The change in the light setting causes a change in distribution ofpower to certain lighting fixture based on the selected lightingsetting. The light switch actuator 306 may be pre-programmed with aplurality of lighting settings or may be configured with particularlighting settings as specified by the user 103. A further swipinggesture 315 shown in FIG. 3F or a different gesture are used totransition from the lighting setting of FIG. 3F represented by icon 352to a further lighting setting.

FIG. 4 provides a flow diagram of operations of a system for controllinga lighting control device. FIG. 4 illustrates control operations of acontrol system, such as processor 130 configured to control the lightingcontrol device 100 or 300, in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent invention. At 401, the tactile display housed in the lightswitch actuator is activated by moving the light switch actuator, forexample by moving the actuation surface of the light switch actuator. At402, the light fixtures electrically coupled to the light switchactuator via a base module are powered as the movement of the lightswitch actuator causes a contact component to move into a new positionand thereby permit or cause an electrical flow path between a powersource and the light fixture(s) to be closed. The tactile display housedin the light switch actuator is moved contemporaneously with theactuation surface. At 403, a lighting setting selection request isreceived via the tactile display, for example by a particular motion ormotions on the tactile display. The lighting setting selection requestidentifies a lighting setting from among a plurality of lightingsettings. A user may swipe multiple times to toggle through theplurality of lighting settings or may conduct a specific motion thatcorresponds to a particular lighting setting including, but not limitedto, a half swipe and tap to achieve a light intensity of all theconnected light fixtures at half of their peak output. The lightingsettings identify distinct power distribution schemes for one or morelight fixtures connected to the light switch module. At 404, a powerdistribution scheme is identified. At 405, the identified powerdistribution scheme is transmitted, for example by the base moduleresponding to control signals from the light switch actuator, to adjustone, some, or all of the lights based on the power distribution schemecorresponding to the lighting setting selected. The power distributionschemes or profiles may be stored in a memory device of the lightingcontrol device. In certain embodiments, the power distribution schemesmay be adjusted to account for other parameters such as ambient lightingfrom natural light or an unconnected source. In certain embodiments thepower distribution schemes may be adjusted based on one or more othersensor parameters. In particular embodiments, the lighting setting maybe adjusted by automation based on time of day, sensed parameters suchas light, temperature, noise, or activation of other devices including,but not limited to, any electronic device described herein.

FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of system for remotely operating a lightingcontrol device. In particular embodiments, the lighting control device100 or 300 may be operable from a remote device if the actuator switchis activated or energized. In such instances, the remote device mayinclude one or more computer program applications, such as system 500,operating on the device to communicate with and control the lightingcontrol device. Accordingly, at 501, the control system 500 initiates aconnection module to generate a communication interface between a mobileelectronic device and a light switch module. The connection module maycause the remote device to send one or more wireless transmission to thelighting control device via a communication protocol. At 502, thecontrol system 500 causes the remote device to generate a display oficons on a display device of the mobile electronic device to facilitateselection of a lighting setting. At 503, the control system 500 receivesa lighting setting selection based on the user selecting a particularicon. At 504, a transmission module causes the lighting setting selectedto be transmitted to the lighting control device so that the lightswitch module and/or the base module can cause the power distributionscheme corresponding to the lighting setting to be transmitted to thelighting fixtures. The tactile display of the lighting control devicemay be updated in concert with receipt of the lighting setting todisplay the icon selected on the mobile electronic device andcorresponding to the lighting setting selected on the tactile device.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of a system for remotely configuringoperations of a lighting control device. The remote device may includedevices including, but not limited to a mobile phone, a mobile computingdevice or a computing device remote from the light control device. At601, the mobile electronic device generates a communication interfacewith the light switch module. At 602 a light fixture identificationmodule initiates a sensor based protocol to identify a parameterassociated with one or more light fixtures connected to the light switchcontrol module. At 603, a display selection module causes a display ofan icon to appear on a display device of the mobile electronic device.At 604, a lighting setting configuration module allows a user to createa power distribution scheme or profile for the light fixtures identifiedbased on the identified parameters and a user specified input related tolight intensity. At 604, a storage module is used to the store the powerdistribution scheme and associate a particular lighting setting iconwith the power distribution scheme. At 605, a transmission moduletransmits the power distribution scheme and the associated icon to thelight switch control module.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method of installing a lighting controlsystem. At 701, a plurality of base modules of lighting control systemsare installed in a multi-gang electrical wall box. These may be fasteneddirectly or indirect via one or more screws or can be coupled via otherconnectors. At 702, at least one switch controller is installed ornested into one of the plurality of base modules, such that at least onebase module remains unoccupied. As discussed herein, nesting the switchcontroller in the base module causes the switch controller to beelectrically connected to the respective base module. As discussedfurther herein, the switch controller may be configured as other switchcontrollers described herein, but can exclude a graphical user interfacesince the switch controller installed before the wall-plate will beconcealed thereby. At 703, a wall-plate is installed over the switchcontroller(s) previously nested in a base module. The wall-plate caninclude magnets in wall-plate for quick and easy access to componentsunderneath. The wall-plate can include one or more recesses for nestinga front portion of the nested switch controllers therein. The wall-plateis installed at 703 such that a switch controller aperture (such asaperture 110 in FIG. 1A is aligned with the well of one of theunoccupied base modules. At 704 a switch controller including agraphical user interface, such as a tactile display is installed throughthe switch controller aperture and nested in the unoccupied base modulesuch that the graphical user interface is accessible through thewall-plate (while the other switch controllers are retained behind asurface of the wall-plate. At, 705 the switch controller protrudingthrough the wall-plate is communicably coupled to the hidden switchcontrollers.

FIG. 8 is a schematics of a lighting control system 800 configured toexecute lighting control operations described herein. The lightingcontrol system 800 illustrates lighting control system components thatcan be implemented with a lighting control system including an air gapsystem as described herein. The lighting control system 800 is depictedseparated into a base lighting control module 812 (which may beconfigured in a manner similar to base module 112) and a switch moduleor switch controller 802 (which may be configured in a manner similar toswitch module 102). As described herein, the switch module 802 caninclude a tactile interface, operable via the graphical user interfacemodule 852, and a switch actuator, such as the tactile display 104 andthe light switch actuator 106 described herein. The switch module 802houses a processor 850 (or a microcontroller), which may be configuredto send commands to microcontroller 840 and receive inputs from themicrocontroller 840 to control the operation of a transformer 818, apower isolator and an AC to DC converter 814 (which may include aflyback converter), and a dimmer, such as a TRIAC dimmer 813, a voltageand current sensor 816. In some embodiments, the base lighting controlmodule 812 may include a MOSFET dimmer. The power isolator 814 separatesthe analog AC current from the low power or DC digital components in thebase lighting control module 812 and the switch module 802. The powerisolate 814 may provide power inputs to the switch control module 802via a power module 853. Power module 853 includes power circuitryconfigured to regulate the flow of power from the base module 812 to theswitch controller module 802 including directing power to one or more ofthe modules in the switch controller module 802. The switch module 802also houses a communication module, which can include one or moreantennae or other wireless communication modules. The switch module 802also houses a sensor module, which can include one or more sensors, suchas a light sensor, a camera, a microphone, a thermometer, a humiditysensor, and an air quality sensor. The processor 850, is communicablycoupled with one or more modules in the switch module 802 to control theoperation of and receive inputs from those modules, for example tocontrol modulation of the flow of electrical energy to a lightingcircuit of a light fixture 824 connected to the base lighting controlmodule 812.

The base lighting control module 812 includes a ground terminal 830 forgrounding various electrical components container in the module 812. Thebase light control module 812 includes a neutral terminal 828 forconnecting to a neutral wire, a line terminal 826, and a load terminal822. As shown in FIG. 8, the voltage and current sensor(s) are coupledto the load line to detect changes in the voltage or current along theline carrying power to one or more light fixtures 824 connected to thelighting circuit (750). The base lighting control module 812 alsoincludes a controller 840 communicably coupled to the processor 850. Thebase lighting control module 812 also includes LED indicator lights 842and 841 for indicating information regarding the status of the baselighting control module 812. For example, in some embodiments LEDindicator light 841 can indicates if a neutral wire is connected whileLED indicator light 842 can indicate if a 3 way connection is connected.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematics of a lighting control system including awall-plate for concealing one or more switch controller(s). A lightingcontrol system with a plurality of switch controllers are shownextending through a wall-plate cover 908 a. The wall-plate cover 908 aincludes multiple openings for direct access to multiple switches.However, in accordance with inventive embodiments, one or more switchcontrollers 920 may be concealed behind a particular type of wall-platesuch as wall-plate 908 b. The wall-plate 908 b conceals one switchcontroller 920 behind it while keeping one switch controller 120physically, directly accessible. The wall-plate 908 c may go a stepfurther, both concealing a switch controller 920 behind it but alsobeing configured to be recessed in the wall and to have a matchingcolor, such that the extending switch controller 120 extending throughwall-plate 908 c appears to be floating on the wall. The exposed switchcontroller 120 can be communicably coupled to the concealed switchcontroller 920 either by wires or wirelessly. The exposed switchcontroller 120 and the concealed switch controller 920 can be configuredto control distinct light circuits (e.g. circuits connected to distinctlight fixtures), but can be operated collectively, such that a sceneselection through the exposed switch controller 120 causes a command tobe sent to the concealed switch controller 920 automatically to adjustmultiple light fixtures in a room to create a specific lighting scenethrough one lighting scene selection input. FIG. 9B provides multipleviews of the concealed switch controller 920. In general, the concealedswitch controller 920 operates in a substantially similar way as switchcontroller 120 (e.g. sending commands from the switch controller to abase module to cause variation in electrical flow via a dimmer circuit),however the concealed switch controller 920 can exclude the graphicaluser interface since the switch will be concealed. This can reduce thecosts of the concealed switch controller 920. The concealed switchcontroller 920 can still include the other electrical componentsdescribed in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 8, such as a processor, a power module, anelectrical connector, a communication module, etc. As demonstrated inFIG. 9B, the concealed switch controller 920 includes an electricalconnector 931 configured for electrically coupling with an electricalconnector of a base module. The concealed switch controller 920 includesa distinct interface cover 951, which can provide a light for easilyseeing the operational status of the device and may include othersensors or electrical interfaces. The distinct interface cover 951 canalso include a magnet for holding the wall-plate (e.g. wall-plate 908 cor 908 b) in place vis a vis a magnet or metallic connector positionedin a back face of the wall-plate cover. The concealed switch controller920 also includes a spring biased latching mechanism 936 to assist withlocking the concealed switch controller in place when nested in a basemodule.

FIGS. 10A-10C show operation of the wall-plate system. In FIG. 10A. Thewall-plate cover 908 b is releasable attached to the base module 112.The exposed switch controller 120 is extending through the aperture inthe wall-plate cover. The wall-plate cover 908 b is pivotally connectedto the base module 112, via a hinge. Accordingly, which the wall-plate908 b is pivoted away from the base module 112 (e.g. by overcoming themagnetic force of magnets holding the wall-plate to the base moduleand/or one or concealed switch controllers 920, the wall-plate 908 bunnest and lifts the exposed switch controller 120 from the respectivebase module that it is nested in as shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C. Incertain embodiments the exposed switch controller 120 can be configuredas the master switch, while the concealed switch controller(s) areconfigured as slave switches, whereby the concealed switches 920 areoperated via commands received from the exposed switch controller.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show operation of the wall-plate system and removal ofthe hidden switch controller. As demonstrated in FIG. 11A, the basemodule 112 is mounted in an electrical wall box 1101. The concealedswitch controller 920 is coupled to a base module 112 in the wall boxand the exposed switch controller 120 is coupled to a separate basemodule 112 in the wall box (e.g. before being unnested by lifting of thewall-plate cover. Removal of the wall-plate cover 908 c to disengage andunnest the exposed switch controller 120 can be configured to causedeactivation of the one or more hidden switch controllers 920. Once thecover 908 b is moved, the concealed switch controllers 920 areaccessible.

One or more magnets in the wall-plate 908 b promote quick and easyaccess to components underneath. Additionally, the wall-plate 908 b canserve as a safety measure for accessing an airgap switch in each hiddenswitch controller 920 (the hidden switch controller 920 still controlsline voltage in the same way each traditionally designed Master andSlave switch controller do, therefore the hidden switch controller 920still should maintain the same safety measures like an airgap system (asdescribed in further detail in U.S. application No. 62/359,670 filedconcurrently herewith and incorporated by reference herein, hereby, inits entirety) for opening an electric circuit when needed for examplefor changing a bulb for example). The wall-plate 908 c is hinged to achassis that rotates open to access the hidden switch controllers 920for servicing and activating the air gap. The upwardly rotatedwall-plate 908 b pulls the traditional/unhidden switch out with it andconveniently holds it in place while the hidden switches are beingaccessed.

FIGS. 12A-12C show a switch including all exposed switch controllers.FIG. 12A shows a front view. FIG. 12B shows a top view of the switchesmounted in a switch box 1101 in wall 1201. FIG. 12C shows a side view.As depicted in FIGS. 12A and 12B, all of the exposed switches 120 extendthrough the wall plate cover 908 b.

FIGS. 13A-13C show a switch including an exposed switch and concealedswitches. FIG. 13A shows a front view. FIG. 13B shows a top view of theswitches mounted in a switch box 1101 in wall 1201. FIG. 13C shows aside view. As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, only the exposed switchcontroller 120 is visible from a front side of the wall plate 908 bwhile the recessed switch controllers 920 are nested behind the wallplate 908 b.

Implementations of the subject matter and the operations described inthis specification can be implemented by digital electronic circuitry,or via computer software, firmware, or hardware, including thestructures disclosed in this specification and their structuralequivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. Implementationsof the subject matter described in this specification can be implementedas one or more computer programs, i.e., one or more modules of computerprogram instructions, encoded on computer storage medium for executionby, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus.

A computer storage medium can be, or be included in, a computer-readablestorage device, a computer-readable storage substrate, a random orserial access memory array or device, or a combination of one or more ofthem. Moreover, while a computer storage medium is not a propagatedsignal, a computer storage medium can be a source or destination ofcomputer program instructions encoded in an artificially generatedpropagated signal. The computer storage medium can also be, or beincluded in, one or more separate physical components or media (e.g.,multiple CDs, disks, or other storage devices).

The operations described in this specification can be implemented asoperations performed by a data processing apparatus on data stored onone or more computer-readable storage devices or received from othersources.

The term “data processing apparatus” encompasses all kinds of apparatus,devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example aprogrammable processor, a computer, a system on a chip, or multipleones, or combinations, of the foregoing. The apparatus can includespecial purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gatearray) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). Theapparatus can also include, in addition to hardware, code that createsan execution environment for the computer program in question, e.g.,code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a databasemanagement system, an operating system, a cross-platform runtimeenvironment, a virtual machine, or a combination of one or more of them.The apparatus and execution environment can realize various differentcomputing model infrastructures, such as web services, distributedcomputing and grid computing infrastructures.

A computer program (also known as a program, software, softwareapplication, script, or code) can be written in any form of programminglanguage, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative orprocedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as astand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, orother unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computerprogram may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. Aprogram can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programsor data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup languagedocument), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or inmultiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules,sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployedto be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are locatedat one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by acommunication network.

The processes and logic flows described in this specification can beperformed by one or more programmable processors executing one or morecomputer programs to perform actions by operating on input data andgenerating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performedby, and apparatus can also be implemented as, special purpose logiccircuitry, e.g., a FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC(application specific integrated circuit).

Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, byway of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, andany one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, aprocessor will receive instructions and data from a read only memory ora random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer area processor for performing actions in accordance with instructions andone or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally,a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive datafrom or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices forstoring data, e.g., magnetic, magneto optical disks, or optical disks.However, a computer need not have such devices. Moreover, a computer canbe embedded in another device, e.g., a mobile telephone, a personaldigital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio or video player, a game console,a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, or a portable storage device(e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive), to name just a few.Devices suitable for storing computer program instructions and datainclude all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices,including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM,EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal harddisks or removable disks; magneto optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROMdisks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, orincorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of the subjectmatter described in this specification can be implemented on a computerhaving a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquidcrystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user and akeyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by whichthe user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices canbe used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example,feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g.,visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input fromthe user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, ortactile input. In addition, a computer can interact with a user bysending documents to and receiving documents from a device that is usedby the user; for example, by sending web pages to a web browser on auser's user device in response to requests received from the webbrowser.

Implementations of the subject matter described in this specificationcan be implemented in a computing system that includes a back endcomponent, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middlewarecomponent, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front endcomponent, e.g., a user computer having a graphical display or a Webbrowser through which a user can interact with an implementation of thesubject matter described in this specification, or any combination ofone or more such back end, middleware, or front end components. Thecomponents of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium ofdigital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples ofcommunication networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a widearea network (“WAN”), an inter-network (e.g., the Internet), andpeer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

The computing system can include users and servers. A user and serverare generally remote from each other and typically interact through acommunication network. The relationship of user and server arises byvirtue of computer programs running on the respective computers andhaving a user-server relationship to each other. In someimplementations, a server transmits data (e.g., an HTML page) to a userdevice (e.g., for purposes of displaying data to and receiving userinput from a user interacting with the user device). Data generated atthe user device (e.g., a result of the user interaction) can be receivedfrom the user device at the server.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details,these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of anyinventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions offeatures specific to particular implementations of particularinventions. Certain features that are described in this specification inthe context of separate implementations can also be implemented incombination in a single implementation. Conversely, various featuresthat are described in the context of a single implementation can also beimplemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitablesub combination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, oneor more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excisedfrom the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asub combination or variation of a sub combination.

For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joiningof two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining maybe stationary or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved withthe two members or the two members and any additional intermediatemembers being integrally formed as a single unitary body with oneanother or with the two members or the two members and any additionalintermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may bepermanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.

It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differaccording to other exemplary implementations, and that such variationsare intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. It isrecognized that features of the disclosed implementations can beincorporated into other disclosed implementations.

While various inventive implementations have been described andillustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readilyenvision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing thefunction and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of theadvantages described herein, and each of such variations and/ormodifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventiveimplementations described herein. More generally, those skilled in theart will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials,and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and thatthe actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations willdepend upon the specific application or applications for which theinventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art willrecognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routineexperimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventiveimplementations described herein. It is, therefore, to be understoodthat the foregoing implementations are presented by way of example onlyand that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalentsthereto, inventive implementations may be practiced otherwise than asspecifically described and claimed. Inventive implementations of thepresent disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system,article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, anycombination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials,kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials,kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included withinthe inventive scope of the present disclosure.

Also, the technology described herein may be embodied as a method, ofwhich at least one example has been provided. The acts performed as partof the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly,implementations may be constructed in which acts are performed in anorder different than illustrated, which may include performing some actssimultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrativeimplementations.

The claims should not be read as limited to the described order orelements unless stated to that effect. It should be understood thatvarious changes in form and detail may be made by one of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims. All implementations that come within the spirit and scope of thefollowing claims and equivalents thereto are claimed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of operating a lighting control system,the method comprising: installing a plurality of bases modules in amulti-gang electrical box, the base modules comprising: a base housingforming a well and including a first electrical connector positioned inthe well, the first electrical connector connected to a power circuitthat is configured to receive current from an A.C. power supply and isconfigured for electrical coupling with a lighting circuit of a lightfixture; nesting a first light control module of a plurality of lightcontrol modules in a first base module of the plurality of base modules,the light control modules comprising: a module housing, a secondelectrical connector configured for engagement with and electricalcoupling to the first electrical connector of a base module when nested,and a switch control circuit positioned in the housing and including acontroller configured to modulate the flow of electrical energy to thelighting circuit via a dimmer circuit to produce a plurality of lightingscenes by varying the quantity of illumination of the light bulb, theswitch control circuit electrically connected to the second electricalconnector; connecting a wall-plate cover to the plurality of basemodules such that: 1) the nested first light control module ispositioned in a recess formed in a back surface of the wall-plate cover,and 2) an aperture in the wall-plate cover is positioned over a well ina second base module of the plurality of base modules; and nesting asecond light control module in the second base module by inserting ahousing of the second light control module through the aperture and intothe well of the second base module.
 2. The method according to claim 1,wherein at least one of the first light control module and the secondlight control module comprises an antenna.
 3. The method according toclaim 1, wherein at least one of the first light control module and thesecond light control module comprises a camera.
 4. The method accordingto claim 1, wherein at least one of the first light control module andthe second light control module comprises a light sensor.
 5. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first light controlmodule and the second light control module comprises a microphone. 6.The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first lightcontrol module and the second light control modules comprises athermometer.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe first light control module and the second light control modulescomprises a humidity sensor.
 8. The method according to claim 1, whereinat least one of the first light control module and the second lightcontrol modules comprises an air quality sensor.
 9. The method accordingto claim 1, further comprising communicably coupling the first lightcontrol module and the second control module.
 10. The method accordingto claim 9, wherein the first light control module is wirelesslyconnected to the second light control module.
 11. The method accordingto claim 1, further comprising configuring the second light controlmodule as a master switch and the first light control module as a slaveswitch, wherein the slave switch is configured to transmit a lightingchange request received by the slave switch to the master switch. 12.The method according to claim 1, further comprising engaging a latch onthe second light control module with a recess in the aperture, thesecond light control module being inserted through the aperture in thewall-plate cover.